# XXXVII: Under the Great Tree explained — Hand and Ring

> Chapter companion for Hand and Ring by Anna Katharine Green.

## What happens

Imogene Dare, after her shocking confession in court, seeks out Mr. Orcutt. She reveals that she saw Craik Mansell leaving Mrs. Clemmens' house at the time of the murder through a telescope, a fact she had kept hidden. Orcutt, feeling betrayed and disgraced by her perjury, refuses to continue actively defending Mansell. He cruelly reveals that Mansell believes her confession, thinking she is the actual murderer. Imogene is left crushed and confused, while the detectives Byrd and Hickory watch her movements.

## Themes in this chapter

### Guilt and Innocence

The chapter explores the complex interplay of guilt and innocence, as Imogene's perjury and Mansell's belief in her guilt create a paradox where the truth is obscured by their actions.

### Deception and Truth

Imogene's confession of perjury and Orcutt's revelation about Mansell's beliefs highlight the theme of deception, where lies are told to protect, but ultimately lead to greater confusion and pain.

### Love and Obsession

Orcutt's jealous reaction to Imogene's confession reveals his obsessive love for her, which is now mingled with bitterness and a desire to hurt her.

## Character check-ins

### Imogene Dare

Confesses her perjury to Mr. Orcutt, revealing she saw Mansell at the crime scene. She is desperate to save him and is devastated by Orcutt's refusal to help.

### Mr. Orcutt

Reacts with anger and jealousy to Imogene's confession. He refuses to actively defend Mansell and reveals that Mansell believes Imogene is the murderer.

### Mr. Byrd

Along with Hickory, follows Imogene to Orcutt's house, suspecting she is going to see him.

### Mr. Hickory

Accompanies Byrd in following Imogene, correctly deducing she is going to see Orcutt.

### Craik Mansell

Though not present, his actions and beliefs are central to the chapter. He has forsaken his defense and believes Imogene's confession.

## Key lines

> I perjured myself to escape destroying Craik Mansell. I was scarcely the mistress of my own actions. I had suffered so much I was ready to do anything to save the man I had so relentlessly pushed to his doom. I forgot that God does not prosper a lie.

Imogene admits she lied in court to save Mansell, driven by desperation and guilt, and acknowledges that her deception was a mistake.

_Imogene explains her motive for perjury to Orcutt._

> Mr. Mansell has never been considered guilty by me.

Orcutt states that he has always believed Mansell is innocent.

_Orcutt reveals his true belief about Mansell's guilt._

> He thinks you are what you proclaimed yourself to be this day, the actual assailant and murderer of Mrs. Clemmens.

Orcutt tells Imogene that Mansell believes her confession and thinks she is the killer.

_Orcutt reveals Mansell's belief in Imogene's guilt._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/hand_and_ring_se/chapters/xxxvii-under-the-great-tree
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/hand_and_ring_se
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